About five years ago, I had a wooden cabin built at the bottom of my garden, which houses my study and counselling room. It is a lovely FromFrom thethe mmoravianoravian place to work in, and it is the place in which I write these missals. I call it, 'The Sanctuary', as it is my SancSanctuarytuary MAY 2019 essengeressenger sanctuary. mm Once the workmen had erected the basic shed, it was left to me to decorate the interior to my taste, to add the preservative to the wood - and to put up the guttering. I am reasonably proficient at DIY, but I recognise that I am not quite up to beaks Consecration of Sr Jane Dixon 'professional' standard. So, I duly got the materials from a local at that DIY supplier, and set about the tasks. The decorating was OK, point in the as was painting on the wood preservative. However, the guttering gutter. So, what is was a little trickier. For that, I had to screw in brackets to hold an imperfection, has the gutters - but it has to have a slight angle so that the rain become a veritable oasis of water is able to run away with gravity into the down pipes, and water for the plants and animals that into the water butts, so that the garden can benefit from the live in my garden, on a dry summer's day. water when we have a dry summer. Needless to say, I thought I managed a good job. So it is with us. There is a story in Judges Ch 7 about how Gideon used broken jars to defeat the Midianites, and in 2 Corinthians However, my efforts were not perfect as I managed to achieve Ch 4, Paul talks about us as being like clay pots which contain a slight 'kink' in the guttering. It wasn't quite the perfect gentle spiritual treasure. Clay pots are frail and imperfect. If Gideon's slope that I had hoped to achieve. Every year since, I have jars had been perfect, they would have hidden the light. As they looked at it and thought I ought to start again and get it right; were cracked, or imperfect, light could escape and shine forth. to correct the imperfection, because in a heavy downpour the As with my gutter, God can use our imperfections to benefit His © Br Robert Hopcroft water drips at the point of the kink, rather than run-off as it is work. So, let us not punish ourselves when we fail to be perfect supposed to. and don't live up to the standards of Christ all the time. That The weather in Yorkshire on Saturday The Yorkshire District sang an excellent herself to be a very capable and But I have held off from correcting it. Instead, I have observed is not an excuse for complacency in our striving 'to become' in 16th March at Lower Wyke couldn't have medley of hymns enthusiastically led by dedicated minister and it has been a that the plants that are under the kink thrive more that many faith - but perhaps our imperfections enable others to relate to been more dreary, with driving rain and our Choir Master, Br Simon Dunn, who privilege to support her as her supervisor of the plants in other parts of the garden - because of the us better, or are actually endearing to others at some level. wind, but nothing would deter the warm will be leaving Yorkshire in the summer these past years. It was wonderful to see dripping of the water. I have also observed that the squirrels Whoever we are, and whatever our idiosyncrasies, gifts and welcome given by members of the for pastures new in the London Area. He her husband Mark sitting alongside her run down the slope of the roof, put their little paws on the edge talents, God can use us for His work - sometimes because of our Wellhouse and Lower Wyke will be very sadly missed by us all. and supporting her as she was of the gutter and drink from the water that has collected in the imperfections. Br Peter Gubi, Congregations, as serving and retired consecrated. kink. Likewise the birds are often scooping water up in their Dukinfield Consecration as a Presbyter is, as it should ministers and congregation members be, an important step in a Minister's life As Moravians, there is nothing better from around the Province gathered in service. Following a proposal at Synod than gathering together in a packed together for the Consecration as Presbyter recommending that a brother or sister church, raising the roof with hymns of of Sr Jane Dixon. Every district of the goes forward for Consecration is in itself praise and thanksgiving, renewing 18th BAILDON Province was represented, with three a confirmation of one's ministry, but just acquaintances and coming together as Dates to Bishops in attendance. The church was as importantly, it is a time for the minister one in Christ. packed and there was a real sense of joy themselves to examine the path they remember! MORAVIAN Well done and thank you, to the sisters and celebration as the service began. Sr have taken and to affirm the promises and brothers of the Wellhouse and Lower BEER FESTIVAL Sarah Groves, our newly consecrated made at Ordination to 'spend and be Wyke congregations for an absolutely Bishop, conducted the consecration with spent in the service of Christ' and 'to work loyally with his/her brothers and wonderful spread of food and drinks after 6Ramadan begins - Muslim the laying on of hands ably assisted by the service, where the shared fellowship 20 Real Ales • Real Ciders • Wine & Soft Drinks Br Joachim Kreusel and Br John McOwat. sisters according to the principals of the 12-18 Christian Aid Week Moravian Church.' and love in the Sunday School was Br McOwat also preached on the text for palpable. It was a 'right royal do', and (www.christianaid.org.uk) FRIDAY SATURDAY the day: 'Be perfect, therefore, as your Sr Jane, currently serving the Lower Wyke now all our thoughts and prayers are with heavenly Father is perfect' Matthew 5:48, 30Ascension Day 3rd MAY 4th MAY and Wellhouse congregations and having Sr Jane as she continues in her ministry, & having us all in stitches as he reminded previously served the Royton and Salem and may she serve the Lord faithfully in 31Laylat al-Qadr 4-11 pm 12 noon-11pm us and himself of all our imperfections. Congregations in Lancashire, has shown the years ahead. (Night of Power/Destiny) ALL WELCOME! Br Robert Hopcroft - Muslim

Moravian Church Hall, off Westgate.

The Moravian Messenger Advertisements and Editorial Team, Church House, Design & Artwork all communications 5 Muswell Hill, London N10 3TJ David Bull Official Journal of the Moravian concerning [email protected] [email protected] Church in the British Province. distribution and supply should Contributions for the Messenger Printed & Distribution The European Finding Zula's Asher Sampson Introducing Published monthly by the be sent to the should reach the editorial team by G. R. Walkden Conference on Hollow Jared Stephens authority of the Provincial Synod. Editorial Team. the 7th day of the preceding month. Tel 01253 681338 Christian Education (page 51) (page 54-55) (page 56) (pages 57) Editorial Shopping Without Plastics The My Lent discipline this year was to shop without buying But these counters are under threat as one large unnecessary plastics. This was in response to the proposal supermarket is planning to close them. I have also bought European passed at our last Synod that our congregations reduce more from our local butcher but the great little greengrocer the use of single use plastics in all areas of church life. It near us where you could buy veg in brown paper bags sadly was so hard and drove me to distraction. I failed in almost closed three years ago through lack of support. Conference every way and trips to the supermarket became even more In addition, you can ask the shops to keep the excess fraught than usual. Of course, supermarkets operate in a packaging around other goods. I have had some success very competitive market and this means that single use with this, but it takes a bit of brass neck and time to unwrap on Christian plastics in packaging has increased dramatically over recent the produce and to then ask the shop assistants to put the years as they seek to outperform their rivals. The produce packaging into the company's recycling system. The key Education is in clear plastic cartons and then covered in clear plastic to this is to be very polite to the staff but it is very effective wrappers. Everything in the stores is for convenience, easy as the company then has to pay to dispose of what is after to handle packs of fruit, veg, biscuits etc so they can be all their own rubbish. easily swiped through the self service tills or hand held This conference attended by into it. In fact, we had it twice more before groups to visit parishes in Berlin. The Why does this matter? Because if we say scanners. The more people they can get to use these tills we went home. group I went with visited the Tegel area we believe that 'The earth is the LORD'S delegates from across Europe, then the fewer people they need to employ on check out near the airport. We walked past the and the fullness thereof, the world and Finland to Spain, UK to Ukraine, Following worship each morning we had prison where Bonhoeffer was tills and the fewer people employed means lower costs, but those who dwell therein;' Psalm 24 then is three days of intense learning something billed as 'Bible study/creative incarcerated on the way to the church. that is another matter. surely we have to show it by our actions. activity'. Although these were reasonably The pastor welcomed us, told us and four days of being together. good there wasn't enough engagement What I discovered on my personal journey into plastic free something about how the church came So, what can and should we do that is The accommodation was in a youth for me, too much watching, not enough shopping is that it can't be on impulse - there has to be to be where it was and then took us on practical, to begin to change the way we hostel run by an Evangelical Christian doing, but at least one of them really got a tour of the parish. It was interesting to more planning beforehand; temptation has to be resisted, shop and reduce plastics in the food chain organisation and the conference was me thinking more about a familiar story. see that this church set near lovely family home made food must take precedence over ready meals; held in a separate building nearby. The and impact on the supermarkets that A lecture and discussion came after a homes was also the church for the nearby and over packaged treats avoided in preference to those whole complex of buildings was quite produce so much of the single use plastics? coffee break and these were very intense. large social housing area divided by a interesting, and a large amount of social sold with less packaging. In the supermarket I have bought Please let us know what you are doing, Thinking out of the box about theological main road. The social problems in the action was carried out from there, more from the fresh fish, meat and deli counters where what reactions you have had and good matters and children. The experts all used area seem to be extensive and the Sr Sarah including mobile dentists for the you can get served in plastic bags and they will serve you ideas you can pass on for individuals, the theme of the day to stretch and building of an accommodation block for Groves homeless, a night shelter, and food in your own tubs if you remember to take them in. families and Churches. Editorial Team engage us in some serious thinking. Titles refugees had caused considerable friction. accommodation for those coming out of like 'PLEASE DO NOT FEED! How to The church had been able to work to prison as well as those with drug or increase tolerance in the community, but alcohol dependencies under control. The educate children by learning from children', 'Be adventurous with the bible' it is an ongoing issue. The residents of income from the youth hostel and the social housing don't feel the church conference centres helps to fund this. and 'If you do not become like the children' give you some idea of the is for them, but for the middle-class SUMMER CAMP Can you help Now you may be thinking 'youth hostel, breadth of the lectures. Lots to think families living by it, a similar problem to that's a bit rough for a conference' well about. If anyone wants the papers I have many British churches. After this tour and this wasn't like the British hostels of the electronic copies. At some point I'll read pizza for tea we headed back to the 2019 centre of Berlin and our accommodation. Summer Camp? 70s and 80s. I opted, and paid more for, them slowly and hopefully digest some a room on my own. The room had twin of the content a little more. One of the group lives and studies in We want to share your expertise with the young people at camp beds and a bunk, so at full capacity would Berlin and offered to do a walking tour so if you have a skill you would be able to share and teach, sleep four, a shower room and separate There were varying activities in the which a few of us took up, an excellent afternoon and early evenings including way to end the day, finishing up in a wine whether it is origami, hockey, dance, music or building Lego toilet. There were four lockers and hanging space, and lots of sockets, if only three workshop slots. I went to one about bar. models, please get in touch with me if you are willing to come I could find something similar at a talking about death with children. along to camp. Meals provided and we can give you a bed for Unfortunately the workshop leader spoke We had another tour, by coach, on the reasonable price for summer camp the Thursday evening which was very funny. the night if you need it. Email [email protected] or phone campers would be very happy. in German but with the aid of an English handout and her slides I got the gist of The tour guide hardly stopped talking for Joy on 01753 553549. Everywhere was clean and tidy and two hours giving us lots of facts and When:3-10th August 2019 spacious. what the project was about, very We are also looking for your financial support for camp. The interesting setting time each week for figures about Berlin, including the Where: Dovedale House, Ilam nicknames for various buildings, and she fees only cover the basics and in order to make camp the best Anyway, on to the conference. Worship children in school to talk about death, For:Young people aged 10-17 with links each morning was led by a different is an Angela Merkel fan calling her our ever we need additional funds to pay for outing, materials and and very interesting that it made the to the Moravian Church region and it was quite interesting to see parents uncomfortable when the children Angie! equipment. Please donate either by cheque payable to Moravian Cost:£340 how different regions put a different spin presented their work to them. I also This is only a brief reflection on the Union Inc or by BACS payment to CAF BANK Ltd, The Moravian on the worship all reflecting the theme attended a workshop on conflict, conference, but I hope gives you some Union, Account 00023436, Sort code 40 52 40, and labelled of the day. The UK worship was on the More information and booking forms can be obtained from presented by the only UK representative sense of it. Talking to people from outside 'SC Donation'. It is helpful if you let Joy know you have made day the theme was 'Be Adventurous' and from Northern Ireland who started his the UK helped me to realise that the your minister or Joy Raynor at: [email protected] a small group put together the worship a donation. Examples of the expenses you could contribute to work life at Corymeela. An excellent problems we have affect the church Information about the venue can be found at which includes an activity for bible study, are; an activity, £18 for an hour and a half per person, a day workshop on adapting sessions to be throughout western Europe. I think it will www.dovedalehouse.org a dance, prayer and 'My Lighthouse' friendlier to children with additional needs take me the three years to the next ticket to the theme park £22, coach fees for the week £800, (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lF Booking before 31st May is recommended as we need to was also very good and had some useful conference to digest the lectures. BZJGSgyVQ) complete with actions. 88 have a minimum number for camp to happen. pack of sparklers £12.95, bag of marshmallows £1. Many thanks. hints and tips. European adults doing actions is quite Sr Joy Raynor Joy Raynor something and they seemed to really get On the Wednesday we were split into five Provincial Youth and Children's Officer 50 51 Housing Poverty “There is a complex two-way relationship between housing and poverty - the housing system 2 The Covenant of Creation can help to prevent poverty but can also create it.” (JRF, Housing and Poverty, June 2015)

For more than a century the close • Poverty linked to housing costs is services such as health care and improves Where there is no vision, the people unravel, relationship between poverty and greatest for those who rent privately. work opportunities which increase But blessed is one who keeps the Law, housing in the UK has been recognised. • The poorest people live in privately income and ultimately helps to lift Joseph Rowntree, perhaps best known rented homes; this number has almost families and individuals out of poverty. Proverbs 29.18, my literal translation. as the owner of the family chocolate doubled. business, was one of a series of eminent But is the safety net 19th Century philanthropists who People living in poverty have a unravelling? invested much of their wealth in providing higher risk of living in poor The vital role of public housing has been The whole Creation was bound together in one great system. There was no way they could repent and be healed, because decent homes at low cost to help alleviate housing than others undermined as for a considerable time Earth and heaven, the natural world and human society were they were grounded in false teachings. The Lord warned Isaiah poverty and promote health and well- less public housing has been built than one, bound in a network of bonds. Sometimes these bonds were that this would continue until the land was desolate. The rest Whilst not inevitable, it is more likely that being amongst their workers. After the is needed. Reduced levels of government called 'The Eternal Covenant' or 'The Everlasting Covenant', of his book has many hopes for the renewal of the creation, poorer people will live in unsafe or First World War the government funding have also driven higher rents where 'Eternal' means the timeless but constant presence of 'when the earth shall be full of the knowledge of the Lord as inadequate housing. Regional variations embarked on the 'Homes Fit for Heroes' which means in many parts of UK the God. 'The Eternal Covenant' joins all things to God. Sometimes the waters cover the sea', Isaiah 11.9. He looked for the time exist both within and between different programme and began building homes poorest people can no longer afford to the bonds were called 'The Covenant of Peace', where 'Peace' when the Spirit returned and the covenant was restored, when parts of the UK. Notably, the relationship for men returning to a post war Britain live in 'public' housing. means wholeness, integrity, everything as God intended it to eyes would be opened and ears would hear, Isaiah 32.3; Isaiah which could offer few the prospect of between poverty and housing deprivation be. This is the usual translation of the Hebrew word shalom. 35.6. St Paul said that those who were led by the Spirit were the economic security. The provision of public is most apparent in London, rural Wales The implementation of the welfare God remembered 'the Everlasting Covenant with every living sons of God, and the creation was waiting for them to release housing became a key component of the and Northern Ireland. reform agenda has brought major creature' when he spoke to Noah and gave him the sign of the it from the bonds of futility and decay, Romans 8.14-23. Welfare State in Britain and an important changes to benefits including how people rainbow, Genesis 9.14-16. When Isaiah reminded his people of Paying for housing whether rent or When the prophets in their visions stood by the throne of the safety net to help protect people from are provided with help to meet their this covenant, he called it 'the Covenant of Peace' mortgage, is the single biggest cost for Lord, they were able to look out from eternity and see the whole the impact of poverty if, as a housing costs. This has led to rent Isaiah 54.9-10. many households in Britain. It is generally pattern of the world and its history. They saw the unity of the consequence of sickness, low pay, shortfalls and tenants struggling to pay accepted that no more than a third of Isaiah showed the nature of this covenant. One style of Hebrew creation and its beauty, and they saw the pride and human sin unemployment or old age they were their rent from an already very low household income should be spent on poetry composes lines in pairs: the second line repeats the first that brought destruction. We have experienced something of unable to afford a decent home. income. housing, however almost half of those in different words. Isaiah wrote: this when pictures of the earth were taken from space in 1968, As part of his legacy, Joseph Rowntree on low income spend more than a third In these homes the impact of poverty is and we saw for the first time the strange beauty of our home. My steadfast love shall not depart from you, established a series of trusts concerned of all their income on housing. being keenly felt with people having to These pictures were an impetus for the environmental movement make hard choices. Coping strategies My covenant of peace shall not be removed, Isaiah 54.10. that has now made us aware of the dire state to which we have with improving understanding of poverty In the most extreme cases poverty can include cutting back on food, heat and brought the creation. in the UK and developing solutions to leave people without a home at all. The This shows that the covenant of peace was based on steadfast light, selling belongings, borrowing tackle its underlying causes. Recent powerful 1960s TV drama 'Cathy Come love, chesed. In the time of Jesus, people were calling it the There is teaching, very subtle and clever teaching, that has money including from high interest reports from the Joseph Rowntree Home', featured a young family where covenant of steadfast love. The community described in the made us unable to see and hear what is really happening. The lenders and increasing use of food banks. Foundation (JRF) provide growing the father lost his job and was unable to Dead Sea Scrolls said they had entered this covenant of steadfast vision of the whole has been replaced by other visions: those Inability to pay the rent means rising evidence that far from protecting people, pay the rent. Evicted from their home, love, and Jesus spoke of this covenant at the Last Supper. After of politics and power, the market and its servants, the media. levels of evictions and homelessness and the housing system is now a contributory they ended up living in a caravan and the meal, he taught his disciples 'By this all will know that you Short term commercial profit and political advantage are but an increasing lack of willingness amongst factor to rising poverty levels in Britain. eventually, as a consequence of their are my disciples, if you have love one for another' John 13.25. two of the evil influences breaking the Eternal Covenant, and landlords both in the public and private appalling housing conditions, their When St Paul wrote about 'the unity of the Spirit in the bond the web of creation is unraveling. Can we imagine a world-view sector to provide homes for those who Key observations on the last children were taken into care. of peace', he was saying the same, Ephesians 4.3. This bond and a way of living that has love as its basis and 'all things very are poor. decade: was the covenant of peace that bound together not just the good' as its goal? We have been given the blueprint in the Bible, • Poverty levels in the UK are rising with Housing costs can create Surely it is time to reflect on the legacy Christians, but also the whole creation. and we must return to the biblical vision for the creation. an estimated 1 in 5 of the population poverty but housing is also part of Joseph Rowntree and the lessons of For the joy of ear and eye, experiencing poverty in any year. We tend to emphasise the Moses covenant and the ten of the solution 'Cathy Come Home'; time to remind commandments, but this was a part of the greater Covenant For the heart and mind's delight, ourselves of the critical role which housing • An increasing number of people whose The film helped to change the way of Peace that was known long before Moses. Covenant love was For the mystic harmony can play in preventing and alleviating poverty is linked to the cost of their people thought about poverty and the foundation of the whole system. It led to right judgment, Linking sense to sound and sight, poverty; and in one of the richest housing. homelessness in the UK. It triggered a which the Bible calls mishpat, and this led to right action, which countries in the world, time to ensure Lord of all, to you we raise series of events which culminated in new the Bible calls zedaqah. The result was shalom which was true • The rising cost of housing and less that everyone, including the poorest in This our grateful hymn of praise. laws to ensure people would not be left justice, peace and integrity - creation and human society as the help for low income renters is leaving our society, has a homeless through poverty which was no Creator intended. Restoring and upholding the Covenant of more people struggling to meet their decent home to [Hymn 467] fault of their own. To help low income Peace was a matter of healing, not of judging - doing what was housing costs. live in? families, government also provided necessary to put things right. • When the costs of their housing are financial help to those on lower incomes The prophets were taken in their visions to stand in the presence also taken into account this pushes to meet the cost of rented housing. an extra 3 million people into poverty. Sr Janet Wray of the Lord. Isaiah saw the Lord on his throne, Isaiah 6.1-12. Access to good quality affordable Director of Housing He heard the seraphim proclaiming the great holiness of the Rights • Home ownership is in decline, public housing not only protects people against Lord and that the whole world was full of his glory. He recognised Gracehill Congregation Dr Margaret Barker housing is in decline and more people the worst excesses of poverty, it also that he and his people had unclean lips, which means they had Methodist Preacher and Theologian are renting their homes from private provides a stable platform for educational been following false teachings. They had eyes that did not 'see', landlords. achievement, enables access to public ears that did not 'hear' and minds that did not 'understand'. © Housing Rights 52 53 Kilwarlin Finding Zula's Hollow Moravian Church, Co. Down and the earthworks of Uncovering the intriguing history of the Thermopylae Garden the unusual Thermopylae at Kilwarlin Moravian Church Garden.

The 'Finding Zula's Hollow' Project at Kilwarlin Moravian Church, Co. Down, is funded by the Heritage of the garden was also referred to as 'Karaouli' and Lottery Fund and Lisburn and Castlereagh City Council. This phase 1 project commenced in July 2018 new information discovered regarding Zula's region and is working to establish new information in relation to Kilwarlin's historic garden, known as 'Zula's of birth worked to shed light on this mystery. It was discovered that a mountain located only 50km from Hollow', recognised by garden historians as one of the most unusual gardens within the British Isles. The Parga, named Mávro Óros (Black Mountain), was also project is spear headed by Rev Livingstone Thompson of Kilwarlin and the 'Finding Zula's Hollow' Project referred to as Karaoúli (the guard). This mountain's Committee (chaired by Mark Kernohan of University Road Moravian Church in Belfast) and is managed proximity to Zula's hometown must be more than by Project Manager Peter Dornan, with historical research facilitated by Research Co-ordinator Rachael mere coincidence and suggests that Zula recreated Garrett. This project aims to lay the foundations for the restoration of Zula's Hollow and the future this mountain within his garden to bring a piece of development of the site as a local heritage attraction. his childhood home to life. Overall, everything that I have learnt has only As research co-ordinator for the 'Finding Zula's Hollow' project Almost immediately Zula did indeed 'build up the old waste reinforced my view that Zula was an exceptional man, I have spent the last nine months delving deep into the story spaces', rebuilding the dilapidated old church and manse. Such who was determined, dedicated, imaginative, caring of one of the most interesting and intriguing figures from the improvements, and Rev Zula's pastoral work, dedication and and someone who was greatly loved and well- history of the Irish Moravian Church. Rev Basil Patras Zula (1796- charisma, would prove to have an almost miraculous effect on remembered within the local community. And, while 1844), a native of Greece and the famed minister of Kilwarlin the Kilwarlin Moravian congregation. In the early 1830s only many questions have largely been answered, Moravian Church, was the builder of Kilwarlin's unique and six elderly church members remained but by the time of Zula's Mount Callidromos - one of the mysterious something tells me that this unique and intriguing wonderfully bizarre Thermopylae Garden. The death in 1844, the Kilwarlin congregation had earthworks of the Thermopylae Garden. figure, and his unique and bizarre garden, will continue extraordinary earthworks of the Kilwarlin Garden gone from near extinction to a thriving flock to yield more secrets and mysteries in the years and (or 'Zula's Hollow' as it is locally known) have of over 200 individuals. decades to come. attracted interest for decades from historians, devote his life to the service of the Moravian Church. However, I wondered, how did a Greek even academics and from the local community. This NB: The Finding Zula's Hollow Project would like to extend end up in Ireland in this period? In-depth With this background established, my attention then turned to unusual series of mounds, ridges and gorges sincere thanks to Roberta Thompson of Gracehill, Henry Wilson research within Irish and Greek sources was Zula's Hollow and the Thermopylae Garden - investigating when was constructed by Rev Zula to re-create one of Ballinderry, John Costley of University Road, Lorraine Parsons, required to shed light on Zula's early life in and how the garden was built and, most importantly, why? of the most famous battles of ancient Greece Edna Cooper, Bishop Sarah Groves and the congregation of Greece, to unearth new information about this - the battle of Thermopylae 480BCE. This battle Attempts were made to locate the ministerial diaries of Rev Kilwarlin Moravian Church, for all their help and support in extraordinary figure. A principal mystery was saw 300 Spartans, led by King Leonidas I, and Zula for the period 1835 to 1844, as this primary source evidence assisting with the historical research conducted as part of this where exactly Rev Zula had been born. Online other Greeks take on the gargantuan Persian would have been invaluable in shedding light on such key project. genealogical records revealed that Zula's army of Xerxes I. The brave Greeks succeeded questions. Unfortunately, despite repeated attempts and surname was likely to have been 'Zoulas', Rachael Garrett in holding back the Persian hordes at the narrow numerous inquiries, these diaries could not be found. Research Co-ordinator common in the Epirus region of north west Pass of Thermopylae before betrayal forced Nevertheless, detailed analysis of available sources, from Greece. Further research, by Greek historians them to make the ultimate sacrifice for Greek Moravian Church archives, the Public Records Office of Northern Katerina Kolotourou, Giannis Michalakakos liberty. The 'Finding Zula's Hollow' project Ireland and various other collections, did provide some answers. and by a Greek research trip, revealed that the sought to learn more about this unique garden Evidence was discovered which suggested that Kilwarlin's garden Zoulas family were one of seventeen prominent and its intriguing builder. On commencing my was built sometime between April 1839 and August 1840, while clans from the town of Parga in Epirus. This role, I knew nothing about the mysterious figure local stories hold that it was constructed to provide employment town, like the Ionian Islands, had remained of Zula and less about the history of Kilwarlin for the local community at a time of agricultural distress and Portrait of Rev. B. P. Zula in Greek outside of Turkish control and in the early 19th Moravian Church but quickly I was gripped by dress, by Edward Hayes RHA, c.1833. hardship - the fact that Zula's Hollow appears to have been century the Zoulas family and the rest of the the fascinating history of this unassuming Original portrait located at Kilwarlin built with local labour may support this view. Meanwhile, further town's citizens were desperately trying to church and its mysterious Greek minister. Moravian Church. research also revealed other fascinating potential motivations maintain their independence from the rule of for the garden's construction. I began by reading the remaining diaries of Rev Zula which the Turkish vizier Ali Pasha. Nineteenth century biographies of Zula's experience of fighting for Greek independence, and Zula mention Parga and claim that Ali Pasha once put a price recorded with absolute clarity his sincere passion and dedication memories of his homeland, appear to have influenced his on Zula's head. It seems that, from an early age, Zula and his to the rejuvenation of Kilwarlin and the dynamic energy which construction of Zula's Hollow in several important ways. Research family were involved in a struggle for liberty from Turkish control; he applied to his ministry. has suggested that Zula may have recreated Thermopylae at a struggle Zula was to continue in later life, as an officer in the 'What am I my God … that thou should honour me to help to Kilwarlin, arguably the most famous story of the fight for Greek Greek Revolution (1821-1828). However, Zula eventually sickened liberty versus a foreign power, due to its clear parallels with the build up the “old waste places”. From a far country have I of war and left Greece to travel to Great Britain alongside the Greek Revolution, and the fight for Greek freedom from Turkish journeyed and found rest here & at thy altar do I anew dedicate English nobleman Sir William Eden, and the pair eventually control. Meanwhile, one of the most exciting discoveries of the body, soul and spirit to be devoted to thy glorious service.' arrived in Dublin c.1828. It was here that Zula met Ann Linfoot, project suggests that Zula may also have directly recreated a Finding Zula's Hollow Research Co-ordinator Rachael Garrett (left) with Gracehill Archivist Roberta Thompson (right). Kilwarlin Congregation Diary, 12th September 1834, Kilwarlin a Moravian schoolmistress (and his future wife), who introduced piece of home within Zula's Hollow. Evidence revealed that part

Moravian Church. him to the tenets of the United Brethren and inspired him to © Finding Zula's Hollow project 54 55 Asher Sampson Introducing

Hello, I am the minister at Leominster Moravian For years, Christians in Pakistan have been subjected to violence, Jared Stephens Church and Hall Green United Community Church. bombings and killings simply for practicing their faith in a predominantly Muslim country. In December 2017 a Christian Hall Green is a small village within the Birmingham area. It is church was bombed by Muslim extremists, killing nine people Moravian Church takes faith and Christian Fellowship. After culturally very diverse (49% Asian descent) and situated on and injuring 57. In Lahore, a deadly suicide bomb attack on being invited to a meeting with the Provincial Board, I was and around the busy Stratford Road. The congregation is also Easter Day 2016, 75 people were killed and 340 injured. A subsequently offered a position in the Moravian Church. I was very diverse, made up of Moravian, Methodist and URC members. splinter group of the Taliban, Jamaat-ul-Ahrar, claimed overjoyed. Many of the Moravian members joined the church when they responsibility for the 2016 attack, saying it had 'targeted arrived from Jamaica and the Caribbean islands in the 1960s. Christians celebrating Easter'. Over the last few months I have seen what the Moravian Church People feel at home and welcomed into our huge family. “Under Pakistan's notorious blasphemy laws, Christian is all about. It is delightfully consistent with what I see the Bible This is particularly so of two brothers, Asher and Aamir Samson. persecution is a growing problem and Christians continue to calls us to be as Christians, putting aside all divisions, placing They began to attend the church when they arrived from Pakistan live in daily fear that they will be accused of blasphemy - which first the love of Christ and the call of the Kingdom ahead of all seeking asylum 12 years ago. They had been brought up in a can carry a penalty of death. Additionally, radical Islamists seem differences of opinion and doctrinal divisions. The Unitas Fratrum Christian family, their father was a local Pastor, but with to be gaining more political power, and the new ruling lives in the hearts of the Moravians I have met and have come

increasing political and religious tension in Pakistan, and following government must maintain good diplomatic relationships with © Sr Sarah Groves to cherish. God has blessed each one of us to be a part of this their father's death, they chose to leave their home and seek some radical groups. Christians are largely regarded as second- community of faith that takes so seriously the fundamental a safer life in the UK. Dear Sisters and Brothers, class citizens, and conversion to Christianity from Islam carries truth of the Salvation of Jesus Christ, not that we should When they first arrived, they were legally able to work and study, a great deal of risk.” https://www.opendoorsusa.org/christian- It is a joy and a gift from God that I find myself in your midst transform the world, but Jesus Christ transforms us and in and the brothers were, and still are, keen to offer themselves as persecution/world-watch-list/pakistan/ as a minister in the Moravian Church. My journey of faith has through us works his love, offering his grace, sharing his hope substantive members of society. Asher initially studied nursing All of these concerns went unheard and even a last-minute taken me to some wonderful and unexpected places and finding to a fractured, hurting, and frightened world. but then moved on to study theology and spent time attempt to persuade the judge at a special hearing was ignored. myself in your midst is a joy-filled surprise. I was born in Michigan volunteering with local homeless charities. But then the law God's peace be with you all. On Wednesday 9th January 2019 Asher was forcibly put on an in the USA, where my mother is from, and lived there for a few changed, asylum seekers and refugees were no longer able to years until my parents decided to move to where my father is offer themselves for work, they had to rely on family to support un-chartered flight by the British Home Office and sent back to In the Love of Christ, Pakistan. Aamir, Asher's brother rang me whilst Asher was on from in Quebec, Canada. We lived there until I was in my early them. This is not easy for anyone to have to do. Br Jared Stephens the plane and we cried and prayed for Asher's safety on his teens and then we moved back to Michigan. The faith Minister at Cliftonville and Ballinderry Congregations The brothers continued to worship at Hall Green Methodist arrival. It was a very dark time for all the family. community of my childhood was, on my mom's side, the Church, now Hall Green United Community Church, but kept Assemblies of God, and on my dad's side, Pentecostal Church themselves low key, not wanting to bring attention to themselves Soon after Asher's deportation Jeremy Hunt MP, Head of the of Canada. and their situation. Foreign Office, made a statement supporting www.OpenDoorsUK.org and said: 'No-one should face When my family moved back to Michigan we moved to a town All this time they were fighting legal battles to prevent them persecution for their faith, wherever they are and that includes being deported back to Pakistan. The fight came to a head in Christians.' We have not been able to speak to Mr Hunt and without an Assemblies of God church and began hunting around November 2018 when Asher, during one of weekly sign in feel that he is not actively helping persecuted Christians abroad, for a new church home. We went to many of the more appointments, was, without notice, detained by the Home Office especially in high risk countries such as Pakistan. Pakistan is #5 charismatic churches but found them to be exclusive and and taken to Morton Hall detention centre. The family were, on the #worldwatchlist where Christians face the most extreme unwelcoming. Out of sheer desperation my parents decided to understandably, devastated at this unannounced and sudden persecution. attend the First Presbyterian Church of Sturgis (PCUSA). To our move by the Home Office and they began another urgent legal delight we were welcomed warmly by the greeter by the door, fight to release Asher whilst I launched a Change.org petition Asher is now living in hiding in Pakistan, his mother returned made to feel welcome, shown to a pew and then greeted by to highlight the dangers that Asher would face if he was there a few weeks after Asher to try and support him but has deported. Christmas was a bleak time for Asher, spending it been taken ill and needs medical help, but Asher is unable to the minister at the end of the service. It was a lovely and alone in a detention cell away from family and friends. However, leave the house safely to get her medicines. nurturing church home for me and my brother and sisters. a ray of hope appeared, and Asher was granted bail on 27th I have spoken to Asher via WhatsApp messaging service and Through the ministry of First Pres. I was encouraged to attend December and he was allowed to return home. Asher and all he is very depressed and fearful for his life. The family are university and while there felt the call to ordained ministry, or his family, his mum, sister and niece had arrived in the UK to watched, and they try not to leave the house. He has recently 'Teaching Elder' as ministers are named in the Presbyterian support him, all visited church the following Sunday and there contracted Typhoid and is still unable to work and support was much rejoicing and many hugs. Asher felt lifted by the himself and his mum. What kind of life is this for a man? He tradition. After graduating with a joint BA in Philosophy and prayers and letters of support he had received from the members. feels he has a non-life and is living in jail, for what? Religious Studies, I attended Princeton Theological Seminary. After my second year in seminary I earned an internship at This moment of joy was not to last unfortunately. Two weeks I am sorry that there is no 'good news' ending to this story. All later, during his regular sign Asher was again detained for I can do, and ask all of you reading this article, is to pray for Groomsport Presbyterian Church, which brought me to Northern deportation and sent this time to Harmondsworth detention Asher. His faith is all he has at the moment. He, and his family, Ireland for a year. While on that internship I met Elaine in centre, over three hours' drive away from home. Once again need your prayers for strength to get through each day. Also, Bangor. We were married in 2013. I graduated with my MDiv, the family, and I, wrote to our MP, promoted the petition, we if you feel able please go to the Change.org link below and sign and received my first call in Stamford, New York in 2011. After gave interviews on Christian radio stations, the Independent and share the petition to keep Asher's situation in the public a few years Elaine and I both received work in the UK so we newspaper covered the story, we tried to get anyone who would eye. Thank you. came back. I held a post with West Presbyterian Church from listen to understand the dangers that faced Asher if he was 2015 until 2017. At the end of that post I began seeking where deported. Sr Lorraine Shorten God was calling me. I received an invitation to lead worship at https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-asia-35910331 the Ballinderry Moravian Church and subsequently I received https://www.change.org/p/please-help-us-bring-asher-home an invitation to lead worship in Gracehill. I was asked if I had https://www.eauk.org/news-and-views/governments-anti-persecution-inquiry- any interest in working in the Moravian Church - I was delighted launched?utm_source=Evangelical+Alliance&utm_campaign=bc34c1a0d3-EMAIL_CAMPAIGN_2018_11_14_04_03_COPY_01&utm_ medium=email&utm_term=0_9c7f3b9355-bc34c1a0d3-302248469&mc_cid=bc34c1a0d3&mc_eid=95e54bb6f4 with the idea since I had become impressed with the open and loving feel of the congregations, and the serious way the

56 57 Dukinfield Fairfield After a considerable discernment process which The start of the year has been as busy as ever, as the saying lasted for more than a year of prayer and discussion, goes new year new hope! and after eventually gaining the consent of the As in the whole of the church we here at Fairfield are mindful NEWS

Congregation Council by more than a two thirds of the devastating effects that the loss of memory has on a majority, we spent much of the summer of 2018 person's life and that of their family and friends and how easy

busily re-ordering our Church. This included: the it is for those affected to become isolated from society. To © Sr Marjery Sutcliffe attempt to offer some support in a safe and welcoming modernisation of the electrics; the decorating and group (taking the attendance to around 12 little ones) after environment Sr Janet Warr has started 'the Fairfield Memory reordering of the worship space with the removal they saw the group on Facebook - social media can work to the Singers'. They meet every 2nd and 4th Friday of the month in of pews and the inclusion of chairs and carpeting good! throughout. The flooring throughout the downstairs the college from 1.30pm until 3pm, with the aim of offering Of course, in the midst of after church coffee for external of the building has been replaced, and the church singing to exercise the memory and perhaps even more importantly, fellowship. Everyone is welcome to attend, but charities, Ladies Thursday Group, Thursday Coffee mornings, and all rooms downstairs have been decorated to Brs Gubi with Sr Beatrice most especially those diagnosed with memory loss and their College working parties, youth club, messy church and bible provide a bright and more modern feel to the carers. classes, like most churches we continue to worry about the day building. We received funding, through the Hamper © Sr Sue Selby to day costs of running our own church. We had an after church We continue to send weekly donations to St Mary's Food Bank, Project and some generous donations, to replace Cake Stall on 25th February and on 30th March an Afternoon but regrettably the need grows rather than diminishes, we can the cupboards throughout in the downstairs room. These and Dementia Warriors. These activities are all forms of Tea in the college from 2-4pm which raised an impressive £401 only continue to offer what we can and continue to include the improvements make the Church more flexible and accessible 'Church' and worship - in that where two or three are gathered for church funds, it was very pleasing to see that the tea was recipients in our prayers; it just seems so infinitely wrong in such together in my name, I am present; and what you do for the attended by lots of non-members and thus bringing the wider for different styles of worship and abilities and enable us to a wealthy country to have people going hungry. use the rooms for meetings on week days, thus enabling our least of these, you do for me. community into the fellowship of the church. CONGREGATION CONGREGATION building to be fit for purpose as a spiritual and community Still offering a warm time of fellowship, the Fairfield Tot group In February, we hosted the wedding blessing of Sr Sophie continues to thrive with three new tots and mums joining the Sr Margery Sutcliffe resource which complies more with the Equalities Act and and Br Jack Weir. We continue to think through the with our wish to enable more inclusion. We are grateful to all practicalities of our part in the Whit walks, as it is more difficult who brought about these initiatives as they have demanded to get people to carry the banner. much sacrifice from many in terms of time, energy and Gracehill generous financial giving - but these challenges have been We were blessed for a year by the presence of an asylum Music has always been an important met more than generously in faith. seeker, Sr Beatrice, who inspired us with her faith and part of worship in Gracehill Moravian commitment. She was due to be received as a member on Church and the sound of the In November, we held a lovely service of re-dedication, led 7th April, but sadly she was deported back to Nigeria just by Bishop Joachim Kreusel. We also held our Autumn Fayre beautiful organ enhanced the before then. She has left an important imprint on our souls, meaning of the words of great - but this was the first time it was held in the Church. It was

enriched our spiritual lives, and has taught us much about Moravian Hymns. However, © Sr Roberta Gray a very successful event, but it highlighted a few teething what it means to live by faith. having served the church for problems which we will learn from for next year. Our Christingle so long, this wonderful organ On the theme of music, a really enjoyable evening was held service was absolutely packed out, so much so that we needed We continue to think about potential initiatives for growth. was beginning to show its age on Saturday 31st March when the NI Police Male Voice Choir to bring in extra chairs! Sadly, Sr Enid Slater was called to However, on 7th April we received Sr Kerry Cain into and the decision was taken to entertained a packed hall to raise money for the Building higher service just before Christmas, and we hosted her funeral membership by Confirmation, and Sr Janet Jackson into have it refurbished. Over the Fund. Everyone appreciated the variety of music from the on 28th December. She is very much missed, but we know membership by reception. We thank God for His many past weeks Michael wonderful blend of male voices, along with the Humble Folk that she is with her Lord. blessings on our community. We are blessed by people (both Macdonald, the organ builder, Group who came with them. What a sound was created when members and non-members) who contribute generously in has taken the workings bit by the audience was asked to join in and they did so with such Our outreach work in the community has continued to thrive their hard work, prayer, love and financial support. bit over to the workshop in enthusiasm! At times the hand clapping, feet stamping and with the Youth Work (Mums & Tots, Uniformed Organisations, Glasgow, leaving only the sheer enjoyment rose to the roof! The amount raised reached Junior Church, Messy Church, Friday Club), the Hamper Project Br Peter Gubi empty casing in church over £1,500 all due to the enthusiasm of Br Raymond Kitson rendering the upstairs an 'out and his team! of bounds' area! © Sr Jackie Morten When Bishop Groves was asked to speak to the Hornsey Now slowly the cleaned and skilfully restored Ballymena Local History Group of course she jumped workings are being returned to the church. at the opportunity to share the story of John Cennick Hornsey has a new kitchen! The opportunity to recharge their The pipes have been carefully guilded and it with everyone. With her engaging enthusiasm she previous one had served faithfully mobile phones! Phones are is hoped the whole task of bringing this led the group through the story of how he preached for a number of years but, in essential to those risking the wonderful and important piece of church around the area and led them on a virtual walk to history back to its original state will be the original site of the old church and well. With recent times, it had needed a full dangers of life on the street. completed by the end of May. During this time everyone completely engaged, the question session refurbishment. The congregation The volunteers come from many our organist Alison has been enjoying playing at the end had to be curtailed as everyone wanted decided to go a step further and of Haringey's churches and this our shiny new piano, which she spent a long time choosing and to learn more about the history of the church, so much so an seek to replace the entire facility. which is another great asset to our worship. It is planned to outing has been arranged to visit Gracehill! year, for the first time, the local have a special organ recital to celebrate this amazing step in Although not then completed, it synagogue has shared in this the history of Gracehill Moravian Church. Sr Roberta Gray was functional in time for the start venture. Each church raises the of Hornsey's stint hosting the funding needed for their time as local Churches' Winter Shelter. hosts and members gave Congregational Register From Church House The work was completed after the generously - either their time, Shelter had finished. their money or gifts of food, Confirmations Provincial Diary for May toiletries and warm clothing. It is a privilege to be able to 7th April 2019 Sr Kerry Joanne Cain Dukinfield 1World Mission Committee (Sr Hoey & Br Howarth) This year the Shelter was operational for two weeks longer 3Joint Schools Meeting, Fulneck (Sr Taylor, Sr Hoey, offer practical help to a few of those whose lives are, for Reception into membership than usual in the hope that more of the guests could be Br Thompson) whatever reason, spent on the streets. 7th April 2019 Sr Janet Jackson Dukinfield found permanent accommodation by the time it was finished. 7Estates Local Agent's Meeting (Sr Hoey & Br Howarth) Deaths Up to 14 guests were welcomed each Sunday night and were We now look forward to Palm Sunday and the joy of Easter. 24-25PEC 12th March 2019 Sally Elizabeth Ashworth Royton 26Eastern District Fellowship Day (Sr Hoey) offered showers, an evening meal, bed, breakfast and the Sr Jackie Morten 7th December 2018Sr Enid Slater Dukinfield 20Ockbrook Governor's Meeting (Sr Hoey)

58 59 About five years ago, I had a wooden cabin built at the bottom of my garden, which houses my study and counselling room. It is a lovely FromFrom thethe mmoravianoravian place to work in, and it is the place in which I write these missals. I call it, 'The Sanctuary', as it is my SancSanctuarytuary MAY 2019 essengeressenger sanctuary. mm Once the workmen had erected the basic shed, it was left to me to decorate the interior to my taste, to add the preservative to the wood - and to put up the guttering. I am reasonably proficient at DIY, but I recognise that I am not quite up to beaks Consecration of Sr Jane Dixon 'professional' standard. So, I duly got the materials from a local at that DIY supplier, and set about the tasks. The decorating was OK, point in the as was painting on the wood preservative. However, the guttering gutter. So, what is was a little trickier. For that, I had to screw in brackets to hold an imperfection, has the gutters - but it has to have a slight angle so that the rain become a veritable oasis of water is able to run away with gravity into the down pipes, and water for the plants and animals that into the water butts, so that the garden can benefit from the live in my garden, on a dry summer's day. water when we have a dry summer. Needless to say, I thought I managed a good job. So it is with us. There is a story in Judges Ch 7 about how Gideon used broken jars to defeat the Midianites, and in 2 Corinthians However, my efforts were not perfect as I managed to achieve Ch 4, Paul talks about us as being like clay pots which contain a slight 'kink' in the guttering. It wasn't quite the perfect gentle spiritual treasure. Clay pots are frail and imperfect. If Gideon's slope that I had hoped to achieve. Every year since, I have jars had been perfect, they would have hidden the light. As they looked at it and thought I ought to start again and get it right; were cracked, or imperfect, light could escape and shine forth. to correct the imperfection, because in a heavy downpour the As with my gutter, God can use our imperfections to benefit His © Br Robert Hopcroft water drips at the point of the kink, rather than run-off as it is work. So, let us not punish ourselves when we fail to be perfect supposed to. and don't live up to the standards of Christ all the time. That The weather in Yorkshire on Saturday The Yorkshire District sang an excellent herself to be a very capable and But I have held off from correcting it. Instead, I have observed is not an excuse for complacency in our striving 'to become' in 16th March at Lower Wyke couldn't have medley of hymns enthusiastically led by dedicated minister and it has been a that the plants that are under the kink thrive more that many faith - but perhaps our imperfections enable others to relate to been more dreary, with driving rain and our Choir Master, Br Simon Dunn, who privilege to support her as her supervisor of the plants in other parts of the garden - because of the us better, or are actually endearing to others at some level. wind, but nothing would deter the warm will be leaving Yorkshire in the summer these past years. It was wonderful to see dripping of the water. I have also observed that the squirrels Whoever we are, and whatever our idiosyncrasies, gifts and welcome given by members of the for pastures new in the London Area. He her husband Mark sitting alongside her run down the slope of the roof, put their little paws on the edge talents, God can use us for His work - sometimes because of our Wellhouse and Lower Wyke will be very sadly missed by us all. and supporting her as she was of the gutter and drink from the water that has collected in the imperfections. Br Peter Gubi, Congregations, as serving and retired consecrated. kink. Likewise the birds are often scooping water up in their Dukinfield Consecration as a Presbyter is, as it should ministers and congregation members be, an important step in a Minister's life As Moravians, there is nothing better from around the Province gathered in service. Following a proposal at Synod than gathering together in a packed together for the Consecration as Presbyter recommending that a brother or sister church, raising the roof with hymns of of Sr Jane Dixon. Every district of the goes forward for Consecration is in itself praise and thanksgiving, renewing 18th BAILDON Province was represented, with three a confirmation of one's ministry, but just acquaintances and coming together as Dates to Bishops in attendance. The church was as importantly, it is a time for the minister one in Christ. packed and there was a real sense of joy themselves to examine the path they remember! MORAVIAN Well done and thank you, to the sisters and celebration as the service began. Sr have taken and to affirm the promises and brothers of the Wellhouse and Lower BEER FESTIVAL Sarah Groves, our newly consecrated made at Ordination to 'spend and be Wyke congregations for an absolutely Bishop, conducted the consecration with spent in the service of Christ' and 'to work loyally with his/her brothers and wonderful spread of food and drinks after 6Ramadan begins - Muslim the laying on of hands ably assisted by the service, where the shared fellowship 20 Real Ales • Real Ciders • Wine & Soft Drinks Br Joachim Kreusel and Br John McOwat. sisters according to the principals of the 12-18 Christian Aid Week Moravian Church.' and love in the Sunday School was Br McOwat also preached on the text for palpable. It was a 'right royal do', and (www.christianaid.org.uk) FRIDAY SATURDAY the day: 'Be perfect, therefore, as your Sr Jane, currently serving the Lower Wyke now all our thoughts and prayers are with heavenly Father is perfect' Matthew 5:48, 30Ascension Day 3rd MAY 4th MAY and Wellhouse congregations and having Sr Jane as she continues in her ministry, & having us all in stitches as he reminded previously served the Royton and Salem and may she serve the Lord faithfully in 31Laylat al-Qadr 4-11 pm 12 noon-11pm us and himself of all our imperfections. Congregations in Lancashire, has shown the years ahead. (Night of Power/Destiny) ALL WELCOME! Br Robert Hopcroft - Muslim

Moravian Church Hall, off Westgate.

The Moravian Messenger Advertisements and Editorial Team, Church House, Design & Artwork all communications 5 Muswell Hill, London N10 3TJ David Bull Official Journal of the Moravian concerning [email protected] [email protected] Church in the British Province. distribution and supply should Contributions for the Messenger Printed & Distribution The European Finding Zula's Asher Sampson Introducing Published monthly by the be sent to the should reach the editorial team by G. R. Walkden Conference on Hollow Jared Stephens authority of the Provincial Synod. Editorial Team. the 7th day of the preceding month. Tel 01253 681338 Christian Education (page 51) (page 54-55) (page 56) (pages 57)